Caitlyn
Orme

Why NTU?

What inspired you to study your subject?

"My interest in working with young people started whilst working in Malawi for 6 months for a charity which provided rights-based and inclusive programmes used to facilitate youth participation in areas surrounding gender equality, safeguarding, and health. I also have a personal interest in the justice system and politics, so I wanted to find a course which covered all of my interests."

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

"The BA Youth Justice course covers an array of different disciplines, which is a unique quality of this course. The multi-faceted nature of this course has allowed me to study various topics which I already had a keen interest in (such as child rights and politics), as well as develop my knowledge in other areas in topics which were new to me. The BA Youth Justice course is also a niche degree which makes you stand out when networking and applying for jobs!"

What’s your experience been like of your course so far? Can you pick out any highlights?

"There have been many highlights during my time studying this course! I was extremely fortunate to attend an international conference in Lithuania during Year 2 which focused on the role of parenting in stressful situations. I also had the opportunity to apply my presentation skills at this conference, as well as work with other social sciences students from a variety of universities around Europe!

Another highlight was attending The Hague during Year 3 to visit the International Criminal Court, as part of the Law, Sentencing and the Role of the Courts module! This provided me with an opportunity to apply my knowledge and understanding within a wider context, as well as develop my knowledge of international law and the judicial system."

Have you been involved in any projects or extra-curricular activities that have supplemented your studies run through NTU?

"During my studies, I have developed experience in various roles relating to the student voice for the BA Youth Justice course. I have volunteered as a Course Representative which allowed me to work alongside the academic staff on the course to help collect and provide feedback from other students on the course. I also volunteer as a Student Mentor which has provided me the opportunity to support first-year students and their transition into higher education.

I have also taken up roles relating to student voice for the wider School of Social Sciences, as the School Officer as well as a Student Executive. These roles have provided me opportunities to develop a number of projects, including an Open Forum for students with disabilities, as well as provide student oversight within many different committees relating to varying aspects of student life: including employability, student forum and equality and diversity."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"Social sciences allow me to gain knowledge of the society in which we live, and how social relationships enrich us as individuals, as communities, as well as the wider society. It allows me to gain an understanding of the real world beyond my immediate experience, which is a huge asset within my personal development, as it helps me cooperate and work holistically with other people."

Support

What do you think of the support available from tutors and staff at NTU?

"The support offered by the academic staff for the BA Youth Justice course is unparalleled. I have been lucky to build relationships with academics which will exceed my academic career and continue as I transition into my professional career. I have received academic support, as well as personal support from academic staff over the past three years which has truly enriched my experience at NTU.

The wider NTU support has been equally as valuable; particularly the support of employability staff whose guidance has been embedded within the course from the start. This has provided reassurance during my final year of studies as this support has helped to provide the foundations for the next transition from university to the wider world of employment or further education."

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

"I have recently started to apply for a number of further education positions. I have applied for a PhD position at NTU within the School of Social Sciences, as well as a Masters in Criminology at NTU. I hope to continue my academic career at NTU, and eventually start my career as an academic lecturer."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"I have received some amazing guidance from lecturers about careers in academia and how I can lecture alongside other opportunities, such as conducting research. The experience I’ve gained from attending academic committees has provided me with an insight into working within an academic setting, and the different roles and policies which contribute to this."

Advice

What top tips would you give anyone thinking about studying your course at NTU?

"Get involved! The opportunities available are invaluable and have provided me with so many different experiences which have been a huge benefit to my personal and academic development.  My experience at NTU has been incredible, and I couldn’t recommend both the course and the university enough!"